Isla Instruments has released a free, ‘game-changing’ update for their S2400 sampler that doubles the polyphony from 8 voices to 16, adds assignable outputs and many more.
Behringer today introduced the Model D Soul, a tiny, $99 Minimoog knockoff that they say is “based on the authentic MiniMoog circuitry, but in a portable and affordable package.”
The introduction caps off a fevered week for the company that saw them introduce 10 synthesizers that they say that they can’t currently produce, because of parts constraints.
The Model D Soul is their third synth in their Stylophone-style ‘Soul’ format, following the introductions of the Behringer Saturn (based on a Roland Jupiter 8 synth voice) and the Pro VS (based on a Prophet VS synth voice).
The Model D Soul fits cleanly into the knockoff category, as a cheap, unofficial copy of the Minimoog. Behringer explicitly states that it’s “Based on the classic MiniMoog from the 1970s”, and its front panel is a shrinky-dinked version of the original.
But the Model D Soul does not copy the Minimoog as closely as the Behringer D, replacing the Minimoog’s analog pots with digital encoders. Because of the Model D Soul’s tiny size, it does not have a one-knob-per-function interface, meaning that encoders have to be used for knobs that have multiple functions.
This change has pros and cons. It means that the Model D Soul is another step removed from the original Minimoog design, and that it loses the what you see is what you get usability of the Minimoog’s knob-per-function interface. Where the Model D had 48 knobs and switches, the Model D Soul has 18. But this change also means that the digitally-controlled patch settings can be controlled via MIDI, which was not possible on either the original Minimoog or Behringer Model D.
Features:
3 VCOs, VCF, 1 LFO, 2 envelope design based on the classic MiniMoog from the 1970s
VCO with 5 selectable wave forms, including saw, triangle, shark, square and pulse
‘Vintage-sounding’ low-pass filter with resonance
LFO with 4 different waveforms
VCA with a dedicated envelope control
Variable envelope amount for filter cut-off control
White and pink noise with independent volume control
16-step motion sequencer with 8 memory slots and recording of knob movements
27 touch keys
18 controls
USB Micro connector allows powering via smartphone, power bank or computer
MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)
Behringer says that the “Model D Soul is fully completed and ready for production”, but it is not going into production at this time because of component constraints. When it does ship, they expect the price to be $99.
Behringer today introduced the Model 15 semi-modular Euro-format all-in-one synthesizer.
The company says that the Model 15 semi-modular synthesizer is based on the legacy Model 15/35/55 circuitry, but with some added features. The Behringer Model 15 appears to directly copy the design of the Moog Grandmother, though, which itself was based on circuits from vintage Moog modular gear.
The front panel of the Grandmother:
The Model 15 has the same synth architecture and controls as the Grandmother, but moves patch points to the right side of the panel, as shown below.
In case there was any doubt about Behringer’s reference for the Model 15, they copied the Grandmother’s colors:
Like the Grandmother, the Model 15 also features a step sequencer and arpeggiator. But, while the original Grandmother incorporates an analog spring reverb, the Model 15 replaces this with a digital simulation.
Features:
Analog synthesizer with dual VCO design
Semi-modular design requires no patching for immediate performance
Analog signal path
Dual oscillators with 4 waveforms, oscillator sync, pulse width modulation and sub-oscillator
24 dB ladder filter with resonance
Step sequencer with 3 separate 256-step memory slots, key transpose and multiple playback modes
Arpeggiator, featuring hold function and multiple playback modes for recording and playing patterns
Fully analog LFO with 4 waveforms and dedicated controls for pitch, filter and pulse width modulation
Spring reverb emulation
48 patch points for modular connectivity
37 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
Eurorack format – module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selectio
The Behringer Model 15 is expected to be priced at $299. Like its other recent introductions, Behringer is not putting the Model 15 into production at this time because of parts constraints, so availability is to be announced.
